Fiber Networks for Phones

Verizon is not forcing its customers to use “a system of Internet-based phones.” We are transitioning from copper lines to a fiber-optic network, over which Verizon customers can receive their traditional voice service at the same price.

Alarm systems and other services that operate over copper work just as well over fiber.

The writer says copper networks are better during power failures as they “can draw electricity” from copper wires. However, copper is more susceptible to adverse weather than fiber and more likely to fail in severe conditions, whereas fiber is five times as reliable as copper.

For emergency calls, Verizon’s phone service over fiber and its wireless Verizon Voice Link service offer backup power choices and location information during a 911 call, as traditional telephone services do.

Technologies will change, and Verizon will always offer the best possible service, over the most reliable networks available.